Discredited by the major damage still evident in the former mining sites in Monsenor Nouel province (Bonao), Falcondo executives visited the Senate yesterday, Tuesday 19 November to argue their case for mitigating the impact of mining in the Loma Miranda area in La Vega. Environmentalists and community activists have rejected the proposed mining project. Falcondo insists that it can mine in Loma Miranda without damaging water resources and the environment. National Water Resources Institute (Indrhi) director Olgo Fernandez stressed the value of Loma Miranda’s hydrographic resources and their importance for irrigating the valley of La Vega, a major farming area, as reported in Hoy. Director of mines for Falcondo, Giovanni Bloise, said that Falconbridge was certified in 1999 as a company that met requirements for mining in harmony with natural resources. He stated that mining in Loma Miranda would make a difference to the welfare of present and future generations. “We are convinced that the mining can go ahead and we are open to suggestions from interested parties that can contribute to making this a safe process,” he said. Referring to what he described as “alleged damage” of Loma La Peguera by the company, he said that “controlled impact” had taken place in the area, which is now being remedied.
Minister of Environment Bautista Rojas has been supportive of the mining company’s interest in pursuing the request. In turn, the Academy of Sciences has led the scientific opposition, outlining the reasons why this is not advisable for the sustainable future of the province.
www.academiadecienciasrd.org/ARCHIVOS/BOLETIN%20LOMA%20MIRANDA/BOLETIN%20LOMA%20MIRANDA.pdf